Stanton Public Policy Center urges removal of Margaret Sanger items from Smithsonian Museums

A pro-life public policy organization recently called for the Smithsonian Museums to remove items related to Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger from its collections, in light of an August announcement that the White House will review the museums’ exhibits.

Stanton Public Policy Center made the request in a letter to Smithsonian Institute Secretary Lonnie Bunch III, reminding him that Sanger was “an avowed racist and eugenicist.” Citing Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, the Center said that Sanger’s display in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery represents “hatred and racism.”

The Center also referenced a 2015 letter from over 25 members of Congress that called for the removal of Sanger’s display, which stated that Sanger had targeted African-American populations with birth control initiatives. 

“Honoring a figure who promoted such hatred and deep-seated racism is not only contrary to the values that the exhibit is purporting to promote, but also deeply antithetical to the very values most Americans hold dear,” the lawmakers stated at the time.

Patrick Mahoney, chief strategy officer for Stanton Public Policy Center, commented in a recent press release that the request to remove Sanger’s items from the museum “is not an attempt to rewrite or change history.”

“Rather, it is a way to ensure we celebrate individuals whose lives reflect and embody the very best of who we are as a nation and honor the values we cherish,” he said. “Our national institutions should honor those who have inspired us to be our ‘better selves’ instead of honoring those who malign and diminish entire communities. In light of this, all Margaret Sanger items should be removed from the Smithsonian Museum collections immediately.”

The Center’s request comes shortly after the White House sent a letter Aug. 12 to Bunch announcing an internal review of all Smithsonian exhibits to ensure “that our national museums reflect the unity, progress, and enduring values that define the American story.”

In its own letter to Bunch, the Center wrote, “It is critical all Smithsonian Museum collections follow the directives of President Trump to provide us with examples of heroes who offer hope and courage; qualities which inspire each of us to work for a nation where all are treated with dignity and equality.”